Semi-quantum approach for fast atom diffraction: solving the rainbow divergence

In this work we introduce a distorted wave method, based on the Initial Value Representation (IVR) approach of the quantum evolution operator, in order to improve the semiclassical description of rainbow effects in diffraction patterns produced by grazing scattering of fast atoms from crystal surfaces. The proposed theory, named Surface Initial Value Representation (SIVR) approximation, is applied to He atoms colliding with a LiF(001) surface along low indexed crystallographic channels. For this collision system the SIVR approach provides a very good representation of the quantum interference structures of experimental projectile distributions, even in the angular region around classical rainbow angles where common semiclassical methods diverge.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Influence of the lighting on Fast Atom Diffraction studied via a semi-quantum approach

The influence of the collimating conditions of the incident beam on diffraction patterns produced by grazing scattering of fast atoms off crystal surfaces is studied within a semi-quantum approach, named Surface Initial Value Representation (SIVR) approximation. In this approach we incorporate a realistic description of the incident particle in terms of the collimating parameters, which determine the surface area that is coherently illuminated. The model is applied to He atoms colliding with a LiF(001) surface after passing through a rectangular aperture. As it was experimentally observed [1], SIVR spectra as a function of the azimuthal angle are very sensitive to the width of the collimating slit. We also found that the length of the collimating aperture affects polar angle distributions, introducing additional interference structures for the longer collimating slits

Single- and double-slit collimating effects on fast-atom diffraction spectra

Diffraction patterns produced by fast He atoms grazingly impinging on a LiF(001) surface are investigated focusing on the influence of the beam collimation. Single- and double- slit collimating devices situated in front of the beam source are considered. To describe the scattering process we use the Surface Initial Value Representation (SIVR) approximation, which is a semi-quantum approach that incorporates a realistic description of the initial wave packet in terms of the collimating parameters. Our initial wave-packet model is based on the Van Cittert-Zernike theorem. For a single-slit collimation the width of the collimating aperture controls the shape of the azimuthal angle distribution, making different interference mechanisms visible, while the length of the slit affects the polar angle distribution. Additionally, we found that by means of a double-slit collimation it might be possible to obtain a wide polar angle distribution, which is associated with a large spread of the initial momentum perpendicular to the surface, derived from the uncertainty principle. It might be used as a simple way to probe the surface potential for different normal distances

Van der Waals effects on grazing incidence fast atom diffraction for H/LiF(001)

We theoretically address grazing incidence fast atom diffraction (GIFAD) for H atoms impinging on a LiF(001) surface. Our model combines a description of the H-LiF(001) interaction obtained from Density Functional Theory calculations with a semi-quantum treatment of the dynamics. We analyze simulated diffraction patterns in terms of the incidence channel, the impact energy associated with the motion normal to the surface, and the relevance of Van der Waals (VdW) interactions. We then contrast our simulations with experimental patterns for different incidence conditions. Our most important finding is that, for normal energies lower than 0.5 eV and incidence along the channel, the inclusion of Van der Waals interactions in our potential energy surface yields a greatly improved accord between simulations and experiments. This agreement strongly suggests a non-negligible role of Van der Waals interactions in H/LiF(001) GIFAD in the low-to-intermediate normal energy regime

Trajectory-dependent energy loss for swift He atoms axially scattered off a silver surface

Angle- and energy-loss- resolved distributions of helium atoms grazingly scattered from a Ag(110) surface along low indexed crystallographic directions are investigated considering impact energies in the few keV range. Final projectile distributions are evaluated within a semi-classical formalism that includes dissipative effects due to electron-hole excitations through a friction force. For mono-energetic beams impinging along the $[1\bar{1}0]$, $[1\bar{1}2]$ and $[1\bar{1}0]$ directions, the model predicts the presence of multiple peak structures in energy-loss spectra. Such structures provide detailed information about the trajectory-dependent energy loss. However, when the experimental dispersion of the incident beam is taken into account, these energy-loss peaks are completely washed out, giving rise to a smooth energy-loss distribution, in fairly good agreement with available experimental data

Diffraction of swift atoms after grazing scattering from metal surfaces: N/Ag(111) system

6 páginas, 6 figuras.-- PACS number(s): 79.20.Rf, 79.60.Bm, 34.20.Cf, 61.85.+pDiffraction patterns produced by grazing scattering of fast N atoms from a Ag(111) surface are investigated by employing the surface eikonal approximation. This method is a distorted-wave theory that takes into account the coherent addition of contributions coming from different projectile paths. In the model the projectile-surface potential is obtained from an accurate density-functional theory calculation. The dependence of the scattered projectile spectra on impact energy and incidence channel is analyzed, and possible incident direction and energy range for the observation of the interference patterns are predicted. In addition, it is found that as a result of the high reactivity of N atoms, asymmetries of the surface potential might be detected through their effects on diffraction patterns.M.S.G. acknowledges financial support from CONICET, UBA, and ANPCyT of Argentina.Peer reviewe